Question for written answer E-000676/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Per Clausen (The Left)
The Egyptian Government institutionalised its state-sponsored discrimination against the Baha’is by way of a decree issued in 1960 by President Gamal Abdel Nasser, which banned Baha’i activities, dissolved Baha’i institutions and confiscated Baha’i properties (Law 263/1960).
This pervasive discrimination has intensified, with the Egyptian authorities denying Baha’is national identity cards, their burial rights and access to cemeteries, as well as carrying out family separations.
Baha’is in Egypt are currently denied their ability to enjoy basic civil liberties and fundamental rights, including freedom of religion[1].
In the light of Egypt’s undertaking to guarantee respect for human rights as a precondition for receiving macro-financial assistance from the Commission, what EU strategy is in place to urge the Egyptian authorities to repeal the 1960 decree, upon which their entire mechanism of discrimination rests?
Question for written answer E-000684/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Tomáš Zdechovský (PPE)
In the EU, mutual recognition of professional qualifications and regulatory standards has been implemented, yet technical inspections for vehicles remain fragmented.
Vehicle owners undergoing technical inspections in one Member State often find that their national insurance providers do not recognise the validity of these inspections if conducted outside their home country. This forces individuals to return to their country of registration to undergo technical inspections, even when a test of an equivalent or higher standard could be performed in another Member State. This lack of recognition creates unnecessary costs and administrative burdens, and hinders free movement within the EU.
Given the EU’s objective to facilitate cross-border mobility and reduce regulatory barriers, we ask:
1.Does the Commission acknowledge the issue of limited mutual recognition of vehicle technical inspections across Member States, and does it have any plans to address this inconsistency?
2.Has the Commission assessed whether this lack of recognition is at odds with the principle of free movement within the internal market?
3.Will the Commission propose legislative measures to harmonise technical inspection standards and ensure their mutual recognition across the EU, particularly for insurance purposes?
Question for written answer E-000632/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Jorge Martín Frías (PfE)
In late January 2025, President Trump designated Mexican cartels as ‘foreign terrorist organisations’ so that he could allocate the requisite resources to tackling drugs.
To put a stop to drug trafficking, strong policies must be taken to combat traffickers, who are usually linked to other crimes such as human trafficking and financial crimes. Attacking cartel finances is a good strategy.
In Mexico, however, as this Member has warned, President Sheinbaum is complicit with drug traffickers, for example, her government has adopted a chapucera judicial reform that enables cartels to finance campaigns for the election and an unambitious security strategy intended to limit police capacities, which promotes illegal activities and impunity for drug trafficking in Mexico.
Between 2015 and 2023, the Commission spent EUR 140 million on aid and grants for Mexico.
1.Can the Commission confirm that not a single euro ends up in the hands of cartels?
2.I insist: will the Commission suspend all further financial transfers to Mexico until it ensures that the Mexican Government commits properly to fully tackling drug trafficking?
3.Will it provide the US administration with the mechanisms and tools at its disposal to combat drugs?
The Highland Council’s Education Committee has approved a proposal to create a new primary school to serve the Tornagrain housing development, east of Inverness.
The decision follows a statutory consultation exercise undertaken in the autumn of 2024.
Education Committee Chair, Cllr John Finlayson said, “I’m delighted that the Committee has approved the recommendation to create a new primary school for Tornagrain. There is a clear need to address the steadily rising roll at Croy Primary, which will not have the capacity to accommodate the number of children from new housing developments in the area.
“A great deal of work is required to progress the detailed design, planning process and construction of the new school and the conclusion of the Tornagrain consultation represents an important step forward in this process.”
The Education Committee’s recommendation will be presented for formal Council approval when the Full Council meets on 27 March 2025.
The Highland Council’s Education Committee met yesterday (Wednesday 26 February 2025) to consider a report on the future of Duror Primary School. The original recommendation had been to close due to the falling school roll, but this was changed on the day following a Motion from the Committee Chair seeking Members’ agreement to continue to keep the school open.
The decision follows a statutory consultation undertaken during 2024.
Education Committee Chair, Cllr John Finlayson said: “The Council’s proposal to close Duror Primary School was made on the basis that only two children currently attend the school. However, new information has been presented since the report was published about a potential future increase in the school roll and this has made it possible to withdraw the original recommendation to close. Having engaged with the community in recent weeks and seen at first hand the good work that the school is doing in terms of additional activities involving the wider community I am really pleased we have been able to review the position and delighted that the Education Committee unanimously endorsed my motion. I hope that children will continue to attend Duror Primary School for many years to come.”
The Education Committee’s recommendation will be placed before the full Highland Council at its meeting on 27 March 2025.
The Highland Council’s Education Committee met yesterday (Wednesday 26 February 2025) and noted the Council’s continuing commitment to improving attainment and achievement at all stages through a range of strategic initiatives.
Education Committee Chair, Cllr John Finlayson said: “2023/24 data shows that Highland is one of the most improved authorities in Scotland across all primary measures and the rate and trajectory of improvement is positive, identifying that the strategic approach being taken is having a sustained impact. The improvement over the last 2 years is particularly impressive and I would like to thank all staff and young people that have worked so hard to make this happen.
“Whilst we recognise that attainment has improved, there is still work to be done. We remain ambitious to continue and where possible, accelerate, this rate of improvement to ensure that all of our young people are supported to achieve their full potential. To support this aim, we will be engaging with stakeholders in the development of our 5 year vision for education in Highland to underpin our raising attainment action plan.
“Our schools continue to face challenges in relation to supporting the health & wellbeing of learners, including factors relating to the cost-of-living and post-pandemic issues impacting pupils’ school attendance. The Local Authority is currently seeking views from secondary stage pupils and the parents/carers of children who struggle attending secondary school on a regular basis. I encourage those impacted by low school attendance to fill out the short survey. The feedback collated will help us to better understand the challenges facing families and will inform the approaches taken to help our young learners to attend, achieve and succeed at school.”
The survey is anonymous and will run from Monday 24 February until Friday 14 March 2025.
The secondary surveys for both parents and pupils are available here:
The Highland Council is delighted to announce a significant increase in positive destinations for school leavers in the academic year 2023/2024. An impressive 96.5% of Highland leavers have secured a positive destination, up 1.2% from last year. Nationally, positive destinations have dropped by 0.2% to 95.7%.
This year, Highland has seen an increase in the number of school leavers, with a total of 2,632 students. This rise aligns with the national trend of increasing school leaver numbers across Scotland. Of these, 40.3% have successfully transitioned into employment, including Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships, placing Highland second only to Orkney in employment as a positive destination.
Key Highlights:
Record School Leaver Destinations: 96.5% of school leavers have achieved positive destinations, reflecting a significant increase from the previous year.
Employment Success: 40.3% of school leavers have entered employment, including Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships, ranking Highland second in Scotland.
The Highland Council’s strategic focus on youth development and employment readiness has been instrumental in these achievements. The “Workforce of the Future” plan aims to equip young people with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in a dynamic job market.
Education Committee Chair, Cllr John Finlayson, said: “We are thrilled with the outstanding results achieved by our school leavers this year. The increase in positive destinations is a testament to the hard work of our students, educators, and the supportive community. We remain committed to fostering an environment where every young person can succeed and contribute to the future workforce.
“The Highland Council continues to prioritise initiatives that support young people’s transition from education. We are committed to building effective partnerships with employers, trainers, colleges and universities and building cross sector career pathways and skills packages while also aligning the school curriculum towards the economic opportunities available, to ensure a bright and prosperous future for the region.”
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova took part in the fourth ceremony of presenting the educational award “Knowledge.Award”, which took place at the National Center “Russia”.
Tatyana Golikova took part in the fourth ceremony of presenting the educational award “Knowledge.Award”
February 27, 2025
Tatyana Golikova took part in the fourth ceremony of presenting the educational award “Knowledge.Award”
February 27, 2025
Tatyana Golikova took part in the fourth ceremony of presenting the educational award “Knowledge.Award”
February 27, 2025
Tatyana Golikova took part in the fourth ceremony of presenting the educational award “Knowledge.Award”
February 27, 2025
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Tatyana Golikova took part in the fourth ceremony of presenting the educational award “Knowledge.Award”
At the beginning of the ceremony, the Deputy Prime Minister read out a greeting from the President of the Russian Federation. In his address, the head of state noted that the educational movement in our country has a rich history, filled with vivid examples of honest, selfless service to the chosen cause and people. The President emphasized that the project is aimed at honoring people who sincerely devote themselves to mentoring, educating the younger generations based on the high ideals of patriotism and citizenship.
“I would like to especially note the new nomination of the award for a significant contribution to the preservation and promotion of the values of a large, friendly family in society. After all, it is in the family circle that a person’s personality and worldview are largely formed, and such unshakable moral guidelines as love for the Motherland and a sense of involvement in its fate are laid down,” the address says.
Tatyana Golikova also presented an award to the winners in the nomination “For Contribution to the Preservation of Family Values.”
“Today we are starting with a wonderful nomination, which is connected with the most important value that we have – the value of family. Despite the fact that this nomination appeared for the first time, a large number of applications were received. I thank all those who are not indifferent to the most important thing that we have – our children and our family,” said Tatyana Golikova.
She emphasized that this new nomination is timed to coincide with the Year of the Family, which was declared by the President of the country in 2024. The continuation of the thematic year was the new national project “Family”, launched on January 1, 2025. “Its main and fundamental goal is for us, Russians, to become more numerous. To do this, we must all work together, we must believe in our destiny, we must carry high moral and spiritual ideals, and preserve the traditions of our country,” the Deputy Prime Minister noted.
The winner of the award in the category “Educator” was the president of the charity foundation “Women for Life”, the presenter of the TV channel “Spas” Natalia Moskvitina, in the category “Project” – the competition “It’s in Our Family” of the platform “Russia – the Country of Opportunities”. Tatyana Golikova presented the winners with cubes made of oak, symbolizing strength, wisdom, stability and durability.
“Knowledge.Award” is the main educational award of the country, which was established by the Russian Society “Knowledge” in 2021 to recognize the achievements of teachers, lecturers, authors, bloggers, popularizers of science and other educational figures, as well as to recognize educational projects and companies from various fields. In total, 19,523 applications were received in 2024 from 89 regions and 56 countries.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Alexander Novak awarded the winners of the educational prize “Knowledge.Award” in the field of economics, business and law
February 27, 2025
Alexander Novak awarded the winners of the educational prize “Knowledge.Award” in the field of economics, business and law
February 27, 2025
Alexander Novak awarded the winners of the educational prize “Knowledge.Award” in the field of economics, business and law
February 27, 2025
Previous news Next news
Alexander Novak awarded the winners of the educational prize “Knowledge.Award” in the field of economics, business and law
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak took part in the award ceremony for the winners of the educational prize “Knowledge.Award”. At the site of the National Center “Russia”, he presented awards to the winners in the nomination “For Contribution to Education in the Sphere of “Economics, Business and Law”.
“Education is the key to the future. Today, in the era of rapid development of science and technology, the value of education and knowledge is only growing. Those who become leaders in education become leaders in the economy. Russia is one of the leading countries in the provision of educational services and ranks fourth among the largest economies in the world,” said Alexander Novak, emphasizing the importance of educational work in the field of economics, entrepreneurship and law.
The winner in the “Educator” nomination was the Governor of the Lipetsk Region Igor Artamonov for master classes and lectures on working with financial instruments, as well as the implementation of the “I Want to Live Here” project. This is an educational platform for more than 20 thousand participants, where through strategic games and political and economic sessions, residents of the region learned how public policy functions, the budget is formed, and how new technologies are changing the future.
The winner in the Project nomination was the multi-format Lenta.ru project “You Have the Right” – a guide to state benefits and social payments, which explains what kind of assistance from the state a citizen can count on and how to receive it.
The educational award was established by the Russian Society “Knowledge” in 2021 to recognize the achievements of teachers, lecturers, authors, bloggers, popularizers of science, as well as educational projects. A total of 19,523 applicants from 89 regions of the country applied for the award in 21 nominations. In all nominations, 31 winners were selected by the decision of the honorary jury and the results of the public vote.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Clarksville, Tenn., Feb. 27, 2025 – Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) Local 1296, who manufacture large commercial heating and air units at Trane Technologies, overwhelmingly ratified a four-year collective bargaining agreement that delivers historic wage increases, enhanced benefits, and stronger workplace protections.
The agreement, covering over 1300 employees and approximately 1100 IAM Union members at the Clarksville, TN plant, includes an immediate 9.3% wage increase in the first year, amounting to a $2 raise for all employees and an additional $2 skill adder adjustment for maintenance workers. It also includes wage increases over the four years.
“This agreement is a major win for IAM Union Local 1296 members, the Clarksville community, and it represents the power of solidarity,” said IAM Union District 1888 Business Representative/Organizer Casey Page. “We secured the highest wage increases our members have ever seen, alongside critical language protections around work-life balance and job security.”
Beyond wages, the contract improves bereavement leave, increases paid time off, enhances insurance benefits, and reinforces language protecting workers from mandatory weekend overtime. Additionally, provisions allowing union stewards to conduct union business will ensure they receive proper training to better serve the IAM Union Local 1296 membership.
“This contract is about more than just numbers—it’s about dignity on the job,” said IAM Union District 1888 Assistant Directing Business Representative Bill Benson. “We fought for these gains at the table, and they will have a lasting impact on the lives of our members and their families.”
“The strength of this agreement is a testament to our members’ preparation and dedication,” said IAM Union Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin. “Their hard work has resulted in a contract that not only raises the standard for wages and benefits but also strengthens the IAM’s presence in the South.
“The wages and benefits in this contract are the most we’ve ever seen, and the additional protective language ensures long-term security for our members,” said IAM Union Local 1296 President Brandie Givens. “This agreement empowers workers and will help empower the community together. We are grateful to District 1888 for their leadership in helping us achieve this victory. It was an honor to carry the torch forward and continue the work that began decades ago.”
Givens also acknowledged the role of the LEADS program in mentoring future union leaders, noting that she and IAM Local 1296 Recording Secretary Ashley Carpenter are the second generation of women leaders in the local, following in the footsteps of Sandra Threatt, the first female IAM Union Local 1296 vice president to sit at negotiations almost a decade ago.
“Solidarity and support for the leadership and the bargaining committee was the key to these successful negotiations,” said IAM Union Collective Bargaining Director Craig Norman. “The ratification of this contract showed the power of the coordinated bargaining committee and demonstrated how important it is to speak with one voice at the negotiating table.”
IAM Union District 1888 represents members at Trane, military installations, the Tennessee Valley Authority, Bluegrass Station, and more than 60 other worksites throughout Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, and Georgia. It continues to advocate for better working conditions across industries in Tennessee and Kentucky.
Headline: New administration can create a stronger AI tech export rule
A high-stakes race is underway that will determine which country will supply the technology that powers the world’s emerging AI economy. Vice President Vance got it right at the recent AI Summit in Paris, emphasizing the need to focus on AI opportunities, pursue lighter regulations, and prioritize bringing American AI to the world. However, a last-minute Biden administration regulation, if left unchanged, risks undermining America’s ability to succeed.
The Biden administration’s interim final AI Diffusion Rule caps the export of essential American AI components to many fast-growing and strategically vital markets. As drafted, the rule undermines two Trump administration priorities: strengthening U.S. AI leadership and reducing the nation’s near trillion-dollar trade deficit. Left unchanged, the Biden rule will give China a strategic advantage in spreading over time its own AI technology, echoing its rapid ascent in 5G telecommunications a decade ago.
As a company, we support the need to protect national security by preventing adversaries from acquiring advanced AI technology. And there are important elements in the rule that should be retained. For example, the rule’s qualitative provisions would ensure that AI technology components are deployed in certified, secure, and trusted datacenters. This avoids shipments of advanced chips to entities that do not meet these standards and thereby helps reduce the risk of chip diversion to China. Similarly, the rule rightly imposes strict requirements on these trusted datacenter operators to protect against chip diversion and to ensure that advanced AI services cannot be used by adversaries.
There is an important opportunity to further strengthen these provisions, including by ensuring the Commerce Department has the resources it will need to put the Rule into effect. This can help both expedite approval processes for companies and strengthen enforcement, including against unlawful chip diversion.
But a significant problem remains. Namely, the Biden rule goes beyond what’s needed. It puts many important U.S. allies and partners in a Tier Two category and imposes quantitative limits on the ability of American tech companies to build and expand AI datacenters in their countries. This includes many American friends, such as Switzerland, Poland, Greece, Singapore, India, Indonesia, Israel, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. These are countries where we and many other American companies have significant datacenter operations.
This Tier Two status is undermining one of the essential requirements needed for a business to succeed—namely, confidence by our customers that they will be able to buy from us the AI computing capacity that they will need in the future. Customers in Tier Two countries now worry that an insufficient supply of critical American AI technology will restrict their opportunities for economic growth.
The unintended consequence of this approach is to encourage Tier Two countries to look elsewhere for AI infrastructure and services. And it’s obvious where they will be forced to turn. If left unchanged, the Diffusion Rule will become a gift to China’s rapidly expanding AI sector.
All this comes at precisely the time when the American tech sector wants to invest in AI computing capacity at an unprecedented level. Our own company’s plans are illustrative. This year alone, Microsoft will spend $80 billion to build AI infrastructure around the world, with more than half of this total on U.S. soil. As this reflects, the solid majority of our computing power will remain in the United States.
But our ability to continue growing and investing at this level, including in the United States, depends in important part on exporting our technology services. This requires building AI infrastructure in other countries, so AI services can be accessed and used with low latency by local enterprises and consumers. Ironically, the Diffusion Rule discourages what should be regarded as an American economic opportunity—the export of world-leading chips and technology services.
The potentially negative impact on American economic growth doesn’t stop there. As the tech sector invests billions of dollars to build datacenters around the world, we are developing global supply chains that combine international and American suppliers of more traditional manufactured goods. I saw this first-hand when I was in Warsaw last week to announce with Prime Minister Donald Tusk a $700 million expansion of Microsoft’s datacenter infrastructure in Poland. Among the beneficiaries are American workers manufacturing advanced electrical generators in Lafayette, Indiana, so they can be shipped to Poland.
The irony could not be clearer. At the very moment when the Trump administration is pressing Europe to buy more American goods, the Biden Diffusion Rule leaves the leaders of partners like Poland asking why they have been relegated to Tier Two status and an uncertain ability to buy more American AI chips in the future.
This puts the opportunity for the Trump administration in bold relief. It can take an overly complex rule that requires 41 pages in the Federal Register and right-size it. Make it simpler. Stop relegating American friends and allies into a second tier that undermines their confidence in ongoing access to American products. Eliminate the quantitative caps that would interfere with a well-functioning economic market. And keep what matters most, such as the qualitative security standards and AI use restrictions that protect national security.
We need to recognize the obvious. America’s AI race with China begins at home. It’s founded on the ability of innovative American firms to bring manufactured goods and technology services to like-minded countries around the world. We’re prepared to invest. What we need now is an AI diffusion rule that gives us the ability to do so.
Tags: AI diffusion rule, AI economy, supply chains
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Nicholls, Senior Lecturer, School of Social Sciences and Public Policy, Auckland University of Technology
This ignores a deeper discussion on the actual sources of New Zealand’s economic growth in the 21st century and, potentially, what we need to do to shift from one model of growth to another.
The framework contrasts countries such as Germany that base their growth on exports – partly through wage restraint – with those in which growth is led by consumption. This group includes the United Kingdom, the United States and New Zealand.
New Zealand’s growth model
How can this framework be used to understand economic growth in our local context?
Local analysts have often reflected on the drivers and pitfalls of this growth model, revolving as it does around property investment and related industries such as banking and insurance.
And yet, this is not how we tend to think of ourselves at all.
Whether aspirational or wishful thinking, countless political speeches and policy documents refer to New Zealand as something of an export platform, a trading nation, or a (potential) knowledge-based innovator on the world stage.
New Zealand has long viewed itself as an export economy. But economic indicators tell a different story. Kritsana Laroque/Shutterstock
The politics of New Zealand’s growth model
It is also difficult to imagine a New Zealand political leader standing up to announce how proud they are to be overseeing a service and consumption-driven economy.
In fact, it could be argued the past couple of decades have represented a series of failures to shift the growth model from where we are to where we want to be.
What is more, many of the barriers to doing so are political rather than strictly economic.
The growth model perspective identifies not only the varied national growth strategies but also the coalition of political and business groups that support each model.
Possible – but difficult – change
Shifts in national growth models can occur. But doing so requires forging a consensus around a new or evolving growth model through political institutions or through the expansion of the growth coalition’s base to include new economic players including, in some cases, trade unions.
Ireland, for example, underwent a major shift from the late 1980s toward a growth model infused with foreign direct investment. This happened, in part, through social partnership, where most aspects of public policy were negotiated between state, business and organised labour, along with some input from the community and voluntary sector. It was also due to an overwhelmingly centrist political culture and it’s structure of government.
Sweden’s gradual shift toward more information-technology intensive manufacturing and the Netherlands’ to business services and finance, representing more balanced or mixed growth models, can also be traced to consensus-driven politics.
Barriers to change
Back in Aotearoa New Zealand, we face a series of political barriers to similar change.
Above all, politics in New Zealand is notably short-term in nature, driven by a host of factors including the three-year electoral term. There is also an absence of an Irish or Swedish-style social partnership-type tradition in which key societal groups are included in policy negotiations that survive changes of government.
Most difficult perhaps is finding a way to override entrenched economic interests with a vested interest in the status quo.
For example, while there is widespread support for a capital gains tax in New Zealand, implementing one has proven out of political reach.
This is likely due, in part, to the oversized role that property plays in our economy, but also because we lack consensus-forging institutions through which to channel a will to change.
Somehow broadening the base of support may help to address this issue, as will ensuring that the government is able to exercise its own autonomy – connected to economic interests yet able to rise above rather than relying on them to make change happen.
Kate Nicholls does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
WASHINGTON, D.C. —Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), joined Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC), and his fellow SFRC colleagues Chris Coons (D-DE), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV), issued the following statement on the Trump Administration’s reckless termination of nearly all U.S. foreign assistance programs:
“It is clear that the Trump Administration’s foreign assistance ‘review’ was not a serious effort or attempt at reform but rather a pretext to dismantle decades of U.S. investment that makes America safer, stronger and more prosperous. There is no indication Secretary Rubio conducted a program-by-program review of the more than 9,000 awards or considered the dire national security implications of these rash actions. Ending programs first and asking questions later only jeopardizes millions of lives and creates a power vacuum for our adversaries like China and Russia to fill.
“While it’s easy to assume that these cuts will only affect people thousands of miles away, the fact is, the impact will be felt by American farmers who will no longer get top dollar for their crops to feed the hungry, churches who will no longer have the support of the U.S. government in their missions, American families who fall sick when diseases like Zika, Ebola and Malaria once again reach our shores and U.S. biotech companies who will no longer sell their drugs to treat the vulnerable overseas. Secretary Rubio should immediately come before our Committee. We expect him to not only consult with Congress but follow the law.”
Uzbekistan’s 2024 parliamentary elections were technically well prepared, but the political environment limited genuine voter choice. While there have been some positive developments in the electoral framework, these elections faced significant challenges in meeting international standards for democratic elections. All five registered political parties campaigned under equal conditions, but their campaigns were low key and avoided challenging the ruling party’s policies or each other. Media restrictions further constrained voters’ access to diverse viewpoints. Election day was calm and orderly, but it was marked by numerous violations and procedural problems.
These are some of the main conclusions from the final report on the October 2024 elections published today by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).
The report offers 21 recommendations to improve the election process and support efforts to bring it further in line with the commitments made by all OSCE states, as well as other international obligations and standards for democratic elections.
Key recommendations include:
Guaranteeing the right to establish political parties by removing undue legislative and practical restrictions on individuals and groups
Revising legislation that restricts fundamental rights and freedoms
Clarifying provisions on misuse of state resources and participation of public officials in election campaigns
Ensuring the independence of the election administration by revising nomination and appointment procedures for lower-level commissions
Expanding candidacy rights to independent candidates and allowing nominations from public associations and citizen groups
Protecting voter list integrity by establishing and enforcing robust safeguards against misuse of supplementary voter lists
Enabling genuine citizen election observation by amending relevant legislation
Increasing electoral transparency by publishing polling station-level results on the CEC website in accessible formats as they become available.
Protecting freedom of expression by comprehensively reviewing media legislation and ensuring restrictions on internet resources comply with the principles of legality, legitimacy, necessity and proportionality and are subject to judicial oversight.
ODIHR deployed an Election Observation Mission on 25 September 2024, which remained in the country until 3 November.
All 57 participating States across the OSCE region have formally committed to following up promptly on ODIHR’s election assessments and recommendations. A list of previous ODIHR recommendations and the extent to which they have been implemented so far can be found on p.23 of the report. ODIHR’s electoral recommendations database tracks the implementation of previous recommendations across the OSCE region.
Source: The White House
President Donald J. Trump declared an end to lower standards in the name of discriminatory “diversity, equity, and inclusion” initiatives — and the Trump Administration continues to make good on that commitment to prioritize merit, not divisive race-based obsessions, in hiring.
Yesterday, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the Department of Justice (DOJ) dismissed several Biden-era lawsuits against police and fire departments who used race-neutral mechanisms — such as standard aptitude tests, physical exams, and credit checks — in their hiring processes, the result of which lowered standards and endangered public safety.
DISMISSED: United States v. City of Durham (North Carolina)
The Biden DOJ alleged discrimination because entry-level firefighter applicants were required to pass a written exam. The city was required to provide compensation and preferential hiring to applicants who were not hired.
DISMISSED: United States v. Maryland State Police
The Biden DOJ alleged discrimination because applicants were required to pass a written exam and basic physical exam. The agency was required to provide compensation and retroactive seniority to applicants who were not hired.
DISMISSED: United States v. Cobb County (Georgia)
The Biden DOJ alleged discrimination because firefighter applicants were required to complete a written exam and credit check. The county was required to provide compensation and preferential hiring to applicants who were not hired.
DISMISSED: United States v. City of South Bend (Indiana)
The Biden DOJ alleged discrimination because police applicants were required to pass a written exam and basic physical exam.
Americans deserve the best of the best keeping them safe — and in the Trump Administration, anything less is unacceptable.
ATLANTA (February 27, 2025) — On Monday, Sen. Sonya Halpern’s (D–Atlanta) legislation, Senate Bill 182, the “Georgia Music Office and Music Ready Communities Act,” passed unanimously out of the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism.
“Georgia has a long and rich musical history, but growth does not just happen on its own. The creation of a Georgia Music Office is a smart, strategic step that will solidify our state as a leader in the industry into the future,” said Sen. Halpern. “We cannot afford to fall behind other states who recognize that music is economic development. Our state’s music industry is currently valued at $5 billion, a clear indicator of the strength of the industry. This office will help us organize our presence in the industry and promote economic growth through music.”
The bill would create the Georgia Music Office, which would certify cities and countries as “Music Friendly Georgia Certified Communities.” The office would be under the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.
Cities and counties dedicated as Music Friendly Georgia Certified Communities must form a local advisory board to promote music-related economic development in their communities. If SB 182 passes, Georgia would join Texas and North Carolina as one of three states with a dedicated statewide music office.
SB 182 can be found here.
# # # #
Sen. Sonya Halpern serves as Democratic Caucus Vice Chair. She represents the 39th Senate District, which includes a portion of Fulton County. She may be reached at (494) 656-9644 or via email atsonya.halpern@senate.ga.gov
For all media inquiries, please reach out toSenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.
The Met has confirmed conditions have been imposed on a long-running protest in Swiss Cottage.
The static protest in Finchley Road, at the junction of Eton Avenue, has been taking place on a weekly basis on Friday’s since October 2023.
From Friday, 28 February the protest, organised by the International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network (IJAN), must take place within a designated area in Kings Cross.
The decision to impose these conditions has been made with a view to minimising serious disruption to the community in the Swiss Cottage area.
Superintendent Jack Rowlands, who is responsible for the policing operation across Camden and Islington, said:
“Our role is to ensure all those exercising their right to protest can do so without incident and without causing serious disruption to the lives of the wider community.
“We have imposed conditions under the Public Order Act on when and where this protest can take place. I would ask anyone attending to make themselves aware of these conditions as to breach them, or to incite others to do so, is a criminal offence.”
The conditions state:
– Any person participating in the IJAN protest must remain in the area shaded on the attached map outside Kings Cross Station, Euston Road, London, on the pavement between the bus stop and pedestrian crossing.
– The assembly must finish by 19:30hrs.
Officers will be in attendance and we would encourage people to speak to them if they have concerns. They are there to ensure everyone is kept safe.
If you want to report anything suspicious you can call 101 or 999 in an emergency.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Thousands of fish released to restock Cheshire river
A total of 4,000 fish, including chub dace and roach, have been released into the River Weaver at two key locations in Cheshire.
The team preparing to stock the fish.
The restocking aims to help replenish populations after two pollution incidents in October 2023, which sadly led to the loss of thousands of fish.
The two key locations include Mill Island Weir and downstream in “The Willows” area.
Restocking is done where natural population numbers have been depleted or to create new fisheries and opportunities for anglers. It occurs in winter because water temperatures are low and this minimises any stress on the fish, giving them the best possible survival rates.
An image of the team restocking fish into the River Weaver
February is a good time to introduce the fish into rivers, as it enables them to acclimatise to their new surroundings, ahead of their spawning season in the spring.
Fish also play a critical role in sustaining a river’s finely-balanced eco-system, so the wider natural environment will also get a helping hand, as a result of the restocking.
James Grosscurth, Fisheries Officer for the Environment Agency in Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire, said:
Sometimes our native fish populations need a helping hand, particularly following pollution incidents.
After careful and consistent monitoring, increased agricultural site inspections and enforcement and an enhanced officer presence upstream of Nantwich Lake, we were pleased to confirm that the water quality in the River Weaver can provide a healthy habitat for thousands of new recruits.
This first restocking will form part of a three-year program, funded by rod licence income, to encourage natural recovery. Our thanks go to Nantwich Angling Society who have been working tirelessly, alongside our officers, to help make this happen.
All of the fish introduced to the Weaver have been reared at the Environment Agency’s National Coarse Fish Farm in Calverton, Nottinghamshire.
Every year, the Environment Agency stocks almost half a million fish of nine different species into England’s rivers. Being the principal supply of coarse fish for 32 years, the fish farm plays a crucial role to help improve fisheries around the country.
Close up of fish entering the river during restocking.
Fisheries officers use data from national surveys to identify where there are problems with poor breeding, issues with survival rates, or where numbers have been impacted following a pollution incident.
These surveys help the officers ensure that fish are released into the right locations and where the need is greatest as well as supporting angling clubs to boost local fishing spots.
Fisheries Officers inspect rod licences 24/7 throughout the North West, and work continually on cases of illegal fishing and other associated fisheries crime. Fishing illegally can result in a fine of up to £2,500, and offenders can also have their fishing equipment seized.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Perpetrators of coercive behaviour have sentences increased
Two violent offenders who subjected women to campaigns of abuse have their jail terms increased by Court of Appeal following intervention from Solicitor General
Macauley Nesfield, 28, from Eastfield, had his jail term increased by the Court of Appeal on 26 February, and Bilal Rasheed has his sentence increased on 16 January.
Both decisions from the Court of Appeal followed references by the Solicitor General after the original sentences for controlling and coercive behaviour were considered unduly lenient.
The Court heard that Nesfield carried out a sustained campaign of abuse against a woman which included smacking, punching, throwing objects, grabbing by the throat, dragging by the hair and brandishing a knife.
Nesfield was sentenced in December 2024 for one count of Controlling or coercive behaviour, one count of Assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and one count of Unlawful wounding.
He also received a five-year restraining order. On 26 February 2025, following a referral of his original sentence to the Court of Appeal by Lucy Rigby KC MP, Nesfield had his sentence increased to three years’ imprisonment.
Bilal Rasheed repeatedly abused a woman and was controlling or coercive towards her.
He was sentenced in August 2024 for one count of controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate family relationship, one count of sending a malicious communication, and one count of criminal damage.
The Court of Appeal quashed his original jail term for coercive and controlling behaviour and increased it to three years.
The Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP said:
I welcome the Court’s decision to increase these sentences.
This Government is committed to tackling violence against women and girls and we will continue to use all tools at our disposal to protect victims and put perpetrators behind bars.
In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 27.02.2025, 18-10 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 81.34) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 235.98 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 33.75%) of the security RU000A101TD6 (IA DOM15P2) were changed.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect
In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the foreign exchange market and the precious metals market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by the NCC (JSC), on 27.02.2025, 18-55 (Moscow time), the values of the lower limit of the price corridor (up to RUB 2,589.08 in the mode with TOD settlements) and the range of market risk assessment (up to RUB 2,333.4049, equivalent to a rate of 25.92%) of the PLD/RUB currency pair were changed. New values are available Here.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect
Four people have been jailed for a total of 48 and a half years following a Met Specialist Crime investigation into the murder of a man in Hounslow.
Ben Laing, 23 (22.05.00), of De Brome Road, Feltham and Durra Abdi, 19 (27.02.04), of Western Avenue, Acton were both imprisoned for 22 years for fatally stabbing Tyreece Scott.
Laing was also sentenced for being involved in the supply of drugs, while Abdi’s custodial sentence included possession of a bladed article.
Two others were sentenced for perverting the course of justice.
Reda Mohamed, 24 (09.01.01) of Linslade Close, Hounslow was jailed for four and a half years whilst Morgan Allen, 29 (09.01.96) of Reeve St, Feltham was jailed for two years which was suspended for 18 months.
In a trial which started on Tuesday, 26 November at the Old Bailey, the jury heard that shortly before 01:00hrs on Tuesday, 16 January 2024, Tyreece was stabbed to death on Hibernia Road, a quiet residential street in Hounslow.
Despite the efforts of emergency services, the 24-year-old died as a result of a stab wound to the chest a short time later.
The prosecution told the jury the murder happened against a background of drug dealing, with a dispute over dealing on other people’s territory.
Detectives worked around the clock to identify the suspects, and Laing and Abdi were arrested at Stansted Airport after landing back in the UK on Friday, 19 January. They were charged with murder two days later.
Officers gathered a large amount of CCTV material which was then painstakingly examined, and enabled them to match a bag carried by Abdi at the scene of the murder to one he was carrying when he was arrested.
Once specialist investigators had possession of the defendants’ mobile phones, they were able to recover all sorts of material including notes, text conversations and other data, including website searches of “Hounslow stabbing” on Abdi’s phone which provided vital evidence during the trial.
Detective Inspector Paul Fagence,who led the investigation, said:
“Drug dealing is an ugly business which has cost Tyreece his life.
“The case is a tragic reminder of how the supply of drugs has devastating consequences on communities.
“While there was no evidence to suggest Tyreece knew the defendants, it was the combination of CCTV, mobile phones and ANPR technology which checks vehicles of interest which helped us build a compelling case against these defendants.
“Our thoughts remain, as ever, with Tyreece’s friends and family. We hope they can now find a level of peace to move forward with their lives.”
All four defendants were convicted of their crimes at the Old Bailey on Friday, 10 January.
As part of our A New Met for London plan, tackling knife crime and violence is a top priority for the Met, while officers are working alongside communities to crack down on individuals who supply drugs and seek to cause harm in London.
You can visit Fearless for advice and discover real stories about people who turned their lives around after being involved in knife crime as well as places you can go for further help and support.
President Metsola in the US, addresses Johns Hopkins University in Washington
The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola said that the EU and the US have stood on the same side of history “not because we are homogenous, but because our greatest victories come from our shared conviction to doing what is right. This partnership matters.”
Speaking at the Johns Hopkins University in Washington DC, President Metsola said that the world relies on the strength of the transatlantic relationship which goes beyond shared trade, commerce and industry. President Metsola listed common values that the two sides have championed throughout the decades, including dignity of every human being, equal opportunity for everyone to reach their full potential, justice, the right to feel safe and live in safety and the belief in freedom – “individual liberty, free trade, freedom to disagree and the cornerstone of everything: freedom of speech.”
Simplification, rather than complicating systems, is on top of Europe’s agenda, she said, addressing the sense of frustration that voters expressed during June’s elections. The President added that solutions can be found to make it easier for companies to do business with and within Europe. Meeting with European industry leaders in DC that have massive operations in the US, she told them that Europe has their back. President Metsola also met with US companies to explain Europe’s future-driven approach, underlining that it is open for business.
The President of the European Parliament said that the EU and the US “can find a way for us all to win. That is why I think we should be talking about trade agreements rather than tariffs. We are not out to screw anyone”. On the latest US administration’s announcements on tariffs, President Metsola said that the EU will react firmly and immediately against unjustified barriers to free and fair trade, including when tariffs are used to challenge legal and non-discriminatory policies.
On defence, she called for an increase in defence spending. “We will put our money where our mouth is. We know that our commitment needs to match the level of threat we are facing. That threat is very high.”
Underlining that “peace is the essence of the European Union,” she remarked that the EU always wanted peace in Ukraine, acknowledging the cost and the devastation of war that many generations of people from across Europe had to endure. “At the same time, we also need to be honest with ourselves: peace without freedom, peace without dignity, peace without justice, peace not based on the principle of ‘anything about Ukraine without Ukraine,’ is no real peace at all,” stated President Metsola. “Europe is ready to play our part in guaranteeing peace and stability in Ukraine because we know that this means peace and stability in Europe and that is a win-win for all.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
Millions have now taken action to access their eVisa
Published statistics show millions have accessed their eVisa, as an extension to the period expired immigration documents can be used for travel is confirmed.
Over 4 million UK visa holders have successfully created an account to access their eVisa, according to Home Office statistics published today. An estimated 600,000 people are yet to switch from their physical document to an eVisa.
Securing our borders is a key part of the government’s Plan for Change and eVisas are a key part of delivering a border and immigration system which is more digital and streamlined. This change will enhance the experience of people using the system, and increase the immigration system’s security and efficiency.
To support a continued smooth transition to eVisas, and ensure no one is disadvantaged, the Home Office is extending the ‘grace period’ announced in December 2024. We committed to keep this transitional measure under review and we are extending the end date from 31 March 2025 to 1 June 2025.
This allows people with a biometric residence permit (BRP) or EUSS biometric residence card (BRC) that expired on or after 31 December 2024, and who continue to hold underlying immigration status, to continue to use their expired document for international travel up to and including 1 June 2025.
From the 2 June 2025, expired BRPs and EUSS BRCs will no longer be acceptable evidence of immigration status when travelling to the UK.
Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Seema Malhotra MP said:
Today’s encouraging eVisa statistics show that a significant majority of the immigration status holders who needed to take action have done so.
We continue to listen carefully to feedback, and our confirmation that expired immigration documents can be used for travel until June this year will help to further ensure the transition to eVisas continues to be as smooth as possible.
Those yet to create an account to access their eVisa are encouraged to do so as soon as possible, to make the most of the benefits of using an eVisa and join the millions – including all EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) status holders – who already have an eVisa. It is free, and straightforward for those who hold physical and paper documents to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa.
People with indefinite leave to remain (ILR, also known as settlement) who use an ink stamp or vignette in a passport to prove their rights can continue to use their documents as they do today, including for travel, but are encouraged to make the switch to an eVisa to take advantage of the benefits it brings.
We had previously estimated the number of BRP holders who need to create an account to access their eVisa at over 4 million, but this number is hard to establish accurately given the daily fluctuations in this data. This is because of people’s leave expiring, people leaving the country before their leave expires, or leave being cancelled or curtailed.
Since the first eVisa statistics publication in December 2024, we have carried out further analysis and quality assurance to enhance our understanding of who has not yet acted, though the data is presented in same format for clarity.
A number of people who created a UKVI account already had one created as part of their visa application, and therefore now have 2 UKVI accounts – although only one eVisa. This should not cause issues for those people, but it does mean that the published data includes a number of duplicate accounts. To maintain consistency, we are continuing to publish data on eVisa account creation numbers, recognising that this contains duplicates.
However, we are also clarifying our revised estimate of the numbers of immigration status holders who still need to access their eVisa, which we anticipate to be approximately 600,000 BRP holders. This number will decrease as people’s leave expires and they leave the UK.
Three converted shipping containers are to be installed on the north side of Royal Parade to act as temporary bus shelters.
The containers are roughly the same size as a double shelter and will have bench seating, lighting together with ramps and handrails and the first two will be put into position early next week.
They will stay in place until the new bigger shelters will be installed as part of the Royal Parade improvement scheme.
The containers will be installed early in the morning, so there will be no disruption to bus services. They will be outside
Dingles between bus stops A15 and A16
Debenhams near bus stop A20
Poundland near bus stop A13.
Some benches will also be installed beneath the canopy along Royal Parade so that people have more places to sit while they wait for their buses.
Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport said: “I instructed officers to leave no stone unturned in finding some temporary shelter for bus users on this side of Royal Parade.
“As a bus user myself I was really unhappy with the shelters being removed in winter, but as cabinet member for transport understood that we were left with very little option as the contract had ended with the old providers and we were simply not in a position to start the new improvement scheme.
“This solution is a little unusual, but it is practical and can be in place relatively quickly.”
A total of 12 shelters have been removed by old providers JC Decaux and the plan is for Clear Channel to install 15 bigger shelters along this key route with upgraded seating and more space for wheelchair users and pushchairs as part of the Royal Parade Bus Improvement scheme.
However, contract negotiations for the main scheme works are still ongoing, which has meant no shelters on Royal Parade between Courtenay Street and St Andrews Cross. The work is expected to start later in the Spring.
The Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning, Deputy Rob Ward, has signed a Ministerial order which increases the funding for a number of grants for higher education students from 1 September 2025.
These changes contribute towards one of this Government’s top strategic priorities, to ‘increase the provision of lifelong learning and skills development’, by implementing sustainable higher education student finance.
For most grants, the amount a student can receive depends on household income thresholds. These thresholds will increase by 5.2%. The increase has been based on the economic assumptions on average incomes in Jersey published by the Fiscal Policy Panel in 2024.
The income threshold to receive:
the maximum maintenance grant will increase from £50,000 to £52,600
the maximum tuition grant will increase from £110,000 to £115,720
the clinical component grant will increase from £100,000 to £105,200
a grant to attend an interview will increase from £50,000 to £52,600
a grant for specialist equipment for a student with a disability will increase from £90,000 to £94,680.
Maintenance grants will receive an uplift of 2.5%, based on the *Consumer Price Index for December 2024 published by the Office for National Statistics. The maximum maintenance grant will increase from £8,915 to £9,138.
Tuition fee grants will increase by 3.1% to align with the new higher cap in England and Wales. The new maximum tuition grant will increase from £9,250 to £9,535.
Deputy Ward said: ‘It is important we continue to review the support we have available for our students to continue their education post the age of 18.
‘These changes ensure we are in line with increases to the cost of living and will help to reduce any cost-based barriers that may prevent our young people from continuing their studies, particularly when the majority of our young adults study in the UK and so living at home to reduce those costs isn’t an option.’
*As most students study in the UK, that is where the majority of their maintenance money is spent.
Leeds City Council has reminded local residents of the need to abide by planning laws after taking enforcement action against two rule-breaking homeowners.
One of the owners was hit with financial penalties running into tens of thousands of pounds following the separate cases, which both relate to unauthorised building work at domestic properties in Leeds.
In the first case, planning permission was granted in 2017 for side and rear extensions to a property in the Rawdon Road area of Horsforth but once work started it became clear that what was taking shape differed substantially – in design elements and size – from the approved plans.
This, the council noted, meant the finished development had an unacceptable impact on the character and appearance of the area.
Following an unsuccessful application by the owner for retrospective planning permission that would have allowed the extensions to remain as built, the council served an enforcement notice that required them to be modified or removed.
After the owner failed to comply with this notice, the council brought a prosecution which culminated in a hearing at Leeds Crown Court.
Following a guilty plea, the owner was fined £17,000 and ordered to pay the council’s costs, which were in excess of £19,000.
The property is now under different ownership but, despite the successful prosecution, the extensions are still in place.
The council has therefore made clear to the new owner that they must be modified – so they are in line with the approved 2017 plans – or removed.
In the second case, an outbuilding was constructed next to a property in the Selby Road area of Garforth in 2020 without the proper planning permission being obtained.
An application for retrospective permission was refused in 2022 on the grounds that the outbuilding – due to its position and size – was causing harm to the openness of an area that sits within Leeds’s green belt.
An enforcement notice served by the council in March last year required the outbuilding to be dismantled and the resulting material removed from the site.
An appeal by the homeowner against the notice was dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate in October, with the council successfully applying for a full award of costs. The total amount payable has yet to be decided. The outbuilding, meanwhile, has been demolished.
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said:
“The council takes its duties as the planning authority for Leeds extremely seriously, with investigations into potential regulation breaches being conducted as quickly and effectively as possible.
“Where it is considered appropriate for us to do so, we will use our enforcement powers to protect the character and appearance of the city and maintain public confidence in the planning system.
“The cases in Horsforth and Garforth have been long-running and complex, and I would like to thank officers involved for the diligence and determination they have shown.
“We hope the results will act as a reminder to people in Leeds that breaches of planning regulations can have significant and costly consequences.”
Matters that can be investigated by the council’s planning enforcement service include developments without planning permission, developments that fail to comply with agreed permission, unauthorised changes of use and unauthorised work on buildings of special architectural or historic interest.
People with concerns about a possible breach of planning regulations can contact the council by e-mailing planning.enforcement@leeds.gov.uk. Further information about the authority’s enforcement work can be found here.
Two weeks after it was hit by a drone, Ukrainian firefighters are still trying to extinguish smouldering fires within the large structure built over the reactor destroyed in the 1986 Chornobyl nuclear accident, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said today.
With unrestricted access, the IAEA team based at the site has been closely monitoring the situation following the strike early in the morning on 14 February that pierced a big hole in the New Safe Confinement (NSC), designed to prevent any potential release into the atmosphere of radioactive material from the Shelter Object covering the damaged reactor, and to protect it from external hazards.
Frequent radiation monitoring carried out by Ukraine and independent measurements conducted by the IAEA continue to show normal levels within the NSC as well as elsewhere at the site of the Chornobyl plant.
Aided by thermal imaging including the use of surveillance drones, Ukrainian experts have located smouldering fires in the insulation between the layers of the arch-shaped NSC structure, injecting water to put them out.
Working in shifts, more than 400 emergency response personnel have been participating in the site’s efforts to manage the aftermath of the drone strike.
“The firefighters and other responders are working very hard in difficult circumstances to manage the impact and consequences of the drone strike. It was clearly a serious incident in terms of nuclear safety, even though it could have been much worse. As I have stated repeatedly during this devastating war, attacking a nuclear facility must never happen,” Director General Grossi said.
Further underlining persistent nuclear safety challenges during the military conflict, the IAEA team at the Chornobyl site has reported multiple air raid alarms during the past week, at times forcing the suspension of the activities to extinguish the fires in the NSC roof. The IAEA was also informed of the presence of drones within five kilometers of the site, including two above one of the intermediate spent fuel storage facilities.
Separately in Kyiv today, an IAEA expert team observed the remains of a drone that Ukraine said were collected following the strike on the NSC. The team observed drone parts that they assessed are consistent with a Shahed-type unmanned aerial vehicle. However, the team did not make any further assessment regarding the origin of the drone.
Also this week, an IAEA team has been in Ukraine to conduct further visits to assess the status of electrical substations that are critical for the safety of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants (NPPs), but which suffered damage during widespread attacks on the country’s energy infrastructure in recent months.
NPPs rely on such facilities both to receive the electricity they need for reactor cooling and other nuclear safety functions and to distribute the power they generate themselves.
The IAEA team monitored the current condition of the substations and collected information to identify any further action that could be taken or technical assistance the Agency could provide to strengthen nuclear safety.
At Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), the IAEA team reported that the site’s only remaining back-up 330 kilovolt (kV) power line was once again available after it was lost for around a week earlier in February due to unspecified military activities. However, the off-site power situation remains highly challenging at the site.
The IAEA team has continued to hear explosions on a daily basis, including some near the ZNPP site. On the evening of 24 February, the team heard multiple bursts of machine gun fire. No damage to the site was reported.
Elsewhere in Ukraine, the IAEA teams at the three operating NPPs – Khmelnytskyy, Rivne and South Ukraine – have continued to hear air raid alarms on most days, with the team at the Khmelnytskyy site having to shelter at their hotel on one occasion this week.
The team at the South Ukraine NPP was informed of drones observed three kilometers east of the site early on 25 February. The same morning the team heard anti-aircraft fire followed by an explosion some distance away.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors will convene its regular March meeting at the Agency’s headquarters starting at 10:30 CET on Monday, 3 March, in Board Room C, Building C, 4th floor, in the Vienna International Centre (VIC).
Board discussions are expected to include, among others: Nuclear Safety Review 2025; Nuclear Security Review 2025; Nuclear Technology Review 2025; verification and monitoring in the Islamic Republic of Iran in light of United Nations Security Council resolution 2231 (2015); the conclusion of safeguards agreements and of additional protocols; application of safeguards in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea; implementation of the NPT safeguards agreement in the Syrian Arab Republic; NPT safeguards agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran; nuclear safety, security and safeguards in Ukraine; transfer of the nuclear materials in the context of AUKUS and its safeguards in all aspects under the NPT; the restoration of the sovereign equality of Member States in the IAEA; and personnel matters.
The Board of Governors meeting is closed to the press.
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi will open the meeting with an introductory statement, which will be released to journalists after delivery and posted on the IAEA website.
Press Conference
Director General Grossi is expected to hold a press conference at 13:00 CET on Monday, 3 March, in the Press Room of the M building.
A live video stream of the press conference will be available. The IAEA will provide video footage of the press conference and the Director General’s opening statement here and will make photos available on Flickr.
Photo Opportunity
There will be a photo opportunity with the IAEA Director General and the Chair of the Board, Ambassador Matilda Aku Alomatu Osei-Agyeman of Ghana, before the start of the Board meeting, on 3 March at 10:30 CET in Board Room C, in the C building in the VIC.
Press Working Area
Conference room M7 on the M-Building’s ground floor will be available as a press working area, starting from 09:00 CET on 3 March. Please note the change of room.
Accreditation
All journalists interested in covering the meeting in person – including those with permanent accreditation – are requested to inform the IAEA Press Office of their plans. Journalists without permanent accreditation must send copies of their passport and press ID to the IAEA Press Office by 14:00 CET on Friday, 28 February.
We encourage those journalists who do not yet have permanent accreditation to request it at UNIS Vienna.
Please plan your arrival to allow sufficient time to pass through the VIC security check.
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Ross Bennett-Cook, PhD Researcher, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University
When you think of Colombia, what images come to mind? For some, it may be coffee or perhaps the country’s diverse landscapes and cultures. For many others, it will be cartels, crime and cocaine.
Colombia’s history as a drug trafficking hub plays a major role in attracting visitors to the country – a form of travel known as “dark tourism”. But the Colombian government and much of the population are desperate to shake off this sordid association.
A new bill going through Colombia’s congress is proposing to ban the sale of souvenirs that depict notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar and other convicted criminals. The proposed law would mean fines for those who violate the rules, and a temporary suspension of businesses.
Colombia became a major producer of cocaine in the 1970s, fuelled by demand in North America. Led by Escobar, the Medellín cartel dominated this trade, controlling roughly 80% of the cocaine supply to the US.
In 1988, Time magazine famously dubbed Medellín the “most dangerous city” in the world. Car bombings, assassinations, kidnap and torture became part of everyday life. In a failed attempt to assassinate presidential hopeful César Gaviria in 1989, Escobar was even behind the bombing of a commercial flight that killed all 107 passengers and crew onboard.
Nowadays, Medellín is much more peaceful. Since Escobar’s death in 1993, its homicide rate has dropped by 97% due to increased security crackdowns and peace deals between the narco gangs.
Colombia now has a booming tourism industry, breaking records for its highest number of visitors in 2024. Medellín has even become a trendy location for digital nomads due to its exciting nightlife, stunning landscape and excellent weather.
Yet, when I visited Colombia in 2024, it was hard not to become infatuated by Escobar. His face is everywhere: on key rings, magnets, mugs and t-shirts, while you often see lookalikes posing for photographs. Even airports – the last place I would expect to be associated with drugs – stock Escobar souvenirs.
A quick look on TripAdvisor’s “best things to do in Medellín” shows Museum Pablo Escobar at number one. Almost every tour in the city is related to the notorious cartel leader, including visits to the neighbourhoods he controlled (and often terrorised), his hideout spots, and the location of his final shootout with the police.
Narco tourism’s boom can be largely attributed to the huge popularity of Narcos, a critically acclaimed series on Netflix that dramatised the life of Escobar. But shows such as Narcos have been criticised by some experts for glorifying the cartel lifestyle – focusing on money, glamour and sex rather than the harsh realities of life within Colombia’s drug trade.
According to dark tourism researcher Diego Felipe Caicedo, popular media related to narco culture often portrays cartel members as heroes managing to defeat the class structure established by the elite capitalist system.
This has resulted in a dissonant heritage of people like Escobar. To some, he is a Robin Hood-type figure who built houses and gave to the poor. To others, he is an evil figure and vicious murderer. And while Escobar did use some of his fortune to improve deprived neighbourhoods, many saw this as a tactic to buy loyalty and mask his criminal activity.
The romanticism of Escobar angers many in Colombia who hate the idea of a murderous drug tycoon being the most recognised image of the country. In a city where almost every family knows of someone affected by the violent consequences of the drug trade, victims in Medellín now live with reminders plastered across storefronts, vendor stalls and tourist’s t-shirts.
The souvenir trade is one of supply and demand – vendors are only selling Escobar souvenirs because they are the most popular. So, perhaps the focus should be on changing the attitudes and interests of tourists, rather than penalising the vendors.
Controlling the narrative
Camille Beauvais, a researcher of Colombian history, suggests it is up to local authorities to take control of the narrative through commemoration and education. This could follow the example of the anti-mafia museum in Palermo, Italy, which is designed to recognise the courage of the city and its people in standing up to criminal activity.
Attempts like this could steer tourists away from sensationalist tours to a more nuanced and historically accurate representation of this turbulent time. But the Colombian authorities have, up to now, tried to ignore this important period in the country’s history.
It was only in 2022 that the Colombia Truth Commission released an official report on the root causes of violence in Colombia, including governmental and international failures in tackling narcotraffickers.
However, some groups in Colombia have already tried to develop an alternate narrative. In 2019, the NGO Colombia ConMemoria (Colombia Remembers) created an online “Narcostore”, a fake souvenir website full of Escobar-themed products.
When visitors clicked to purchase the item, they were redirected to video testimonies of those affected by the drugs trade, many of whom had lost friends or relatives to Escobar’s terror. The site reached 180 million visitors worldwide.
Narco tourism does not seem to be disappearing. Fascination with true crime, drugs and cartels is as popular as ever. But perhaps these tourists should take a moment to consider how they might feel, if someone who had murdered their loved ones became a souvenir fridge magnet for people to remember their country by.
Ross Bennett-Cook does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.